Brevard County votes to commission comprehensive impact-fee study after public pressure on fire, EMS funding

The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 on May 6 to commission a comprehensive countywide impact-fee study and to authorize staff to negotiate a contract with the top-ranked firm, Benesh.

The full study option, which the board approved, carries an estimated cost of $219,970. Staff told the board a narrower study limited to fire and emergency medical services would cost $37,982; commissioners and public speakers urged the board to prioritize fire and EMS in the work plan and to complete any portions needed for the FY2026 budget first.

The vote followed extended public comment calling attention to a decades-long gap between the county’s current impact fees and amounts recommended by previous studies. Christina Fleming, a resident who addressed the board during public comment, said raising impact fees “isn’t just reasonable, it’s responsible,” and urged updating fees that have not been changed in about 25 years.

Resident Sandra Sullivan cited past consultant recommendations and current local fees in urging action. “In 2016 the study recommended $322.49 for fire and EMS. We’re still at $97,” she told the board, pressing the commission to move quickly so the county can better cover the costs of growth and infrastructure.

Commissioner Atkinson made the motion to proceed with the comprehensive study; Commissioner Delaney seconded. The roll call was: Delaney — yes; Vice Chair Goodson — yes; Atkinson — yes; Altman — no; Chairman Feltner — yes. The selection-and-negotiation committee had earlier unanimously ranked Benesh as the top proposer.

Staff and public commenters noted schedule and scope constraints. County staff estimated a comprehensive study would take roughly nine to 12 months to complete; commenters recommended breaking the work into milestones so critical pieces (especially fire/EMS) could be available sooner for budgeting. Kathy (county staff) presented the two-cost option to the board and confirmed the committee’s ranking of Benesh.

Discussion at the meeting also highlighted the broader financial context: multiple speakers and commissioners referenced the county’s growing capital and maintenance needs, and the potential effect of updated impact fees on long-term fiscal planning. Board members and staff emphasized that commissioning the study does not itself raise fees; it produces the data and methodology the county would use if it chooses to change fee schedules.

The board directed staff to proceed with contract negotiations and to return any required agreements for execution; the study timeline and prioritization of fire/EMS elements will be set during negotiations and as staff receives the data required to complete the analyses.

Ending: The county will now enter contract negotiations with Benesh and begin a multi-stage process to quantify current impact fees across programs. Staff said they will attempt to prioritize and accelerate work on fire and EMS needs so the results can inform future budget decisions if timing allows.